Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RONELL HANKS, also known as “Biz” and “Ace,” 25, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 204 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for heading a large Bridgeport-based narcotics trafficking ring.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in January 2012, the FBI Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force, Bridgeport Police Department and Connecticut State Police Statewide Narcotics Task Force began an investigation into narcotics trafficking and violent criminal activity in and around the Trumbull Gardens housing complex in Bridgeport. The investigation revealed that HANKS headed an organization that sold heroin, cocaine and crack cocaine 24-hours a day, seven days a week.

During the course of the investigation, investigators seized approximately one kilogram of heroin, one-half kilogram of crack cocaine, approximately $100,000 in cash, three vehicles, jewelry, nine firearms, and more than 200 rounds of ammunition.

Investigators seized a firearm, which had been reported stolen, from HANKS’ residence, and also a KelTec EC372 assault-style firearm and ammunition that HANKS had provided to another individual for safe keeping on his behalf.

On December 18, 2013, a grand jury in Bridgeport returned an indictment charging HANKS and 13 other individuals with narcotics and firearms trafficking offenses.

HANKS has been detained since his arrest on December 5, 2013. On August 21, 2014, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin and 500 grams or more of cocaine.

HANKS was ordered to forfeit three vehicles, approximately $80,000 in jewelry and $72,000 in cash.

HANKS’ criminal history includes multiple felony convictions.

This matter is being investigated by the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force, in coordination with the Bridgeport Police Department, the Trumbull Police Department and the Connecticut State Police Statewide Narcotics Task Force. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the State’s Attorney for the Judicial District of Fairfield are assisting this investigation and prosecution. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tracy Lee Dayton and Rahul Kale.